AAA will offer free towing via 'Tipsy Tow' service on New Year's Eve

In an effort to help prevent drunk driving and alcohol related motor vehicle accidents, AAA Hawaii is offering its free "Tipsy Tow" service for the New Year's Eve holiday.

The service is available in the areas served by AAA Hawaii and offers a free tow home of up to five miles.

"We want motorists to be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving associated with the holiday and encourage them to think twice about getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking," said AAA Hawaii's Supervisor Cynthia Hall.

Hall says that New Year's Eve is a traditional time for home parties, as well as outings to restaurants and bars, and other excursions where drinking happens frequently.

"It takes only one or two drinks to slow physical and mental skills and affect vision, steering, braking, judgment and reaction time," Hall said. "Drivers should be aware that the law enforcement agencies are likely to be using extra patrols to look for drinking drivers during the holiday."

To receive the free tow and ride home, drivers may call 1-800-222-4357. A regular AAA Hawaii-contracted emergency road service truck will then be dispatched.

The service runs from 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve through 6 a.m. New Year's Day.

Callers should keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and the destination is limited to the driver's residence.